As Newfoundland breeders, we feel that perhaps our biggest responsibility is to provide as much information as possible to those thinking about adding a Newfoundland puppy to their family. To that end, we thought it might be nice to give you some grooming hints, tools you may need etc.
BRUSHING
EQPT YOU WILL NEED:
Undercoat Rake (Double tooth rake is the easiest and fastest)
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Mat Splitter
Spray On Grooming Spray or Coat Conditioner/Detangler (make sure it is designed to not have to be rinsed out)
Metal Curry Comb (this is actually a horse grooming supply...while not actually a "necessity", I think it makes the job easier)
When brushing your Newfie make sure that you are brushing from the skin out.
A common mistake novice Newf owners make is to brush only the outer layer of hair, leaving the dead hair and tangles in place.
I begin all brushing sessions by going over the dog with a metal curry comb and removing all loose and dead hair.
Then I use my double tooth undercoat rake.
I spray the section of coat I will be brushing with a quality coat detangler/conditioner. This will help keep the coat moisturized and in good condition.
I start brushing on the back leg, working bottom to top. With one hand lift and push the hair up and away from the skin. Start on the section of coat closest to the skin and work your way out. When each section is fully brushed, move onto the next section.
Pay special attention when brushing in the genital area. It is a good idea to use your free hand to shield this area so you do not inadvertently brush there.
Make sure that as dead hair is brought to the surface it is removed from the coat.
Mats can be removed with a mat splitter
For the hair behind the ears you may wish to use a comb. This tends to be very fine and easily tangled. Most dogs can also have the hair on their belly combed as it tends to be fine.
After the dog has been thoroughly brushed run over him again with a pin brush, then a slicker brush. This tends to remove any stray dead hair and also leave a finished, polished look.
NAILS
EQPT YOU WILL NEED
Quality nail clipper (do not skimp on nail clipper...cheap ones are hard to use and break easily..we prefer the "guillitione style" nail clipper. We use Miller's Forge brand)
Stypic powder or gel (stops bleeding is you cut into the quick)
When your dogs nails touch the floor when standing it is time to trim them.
I suggest a heavy, high quality nail trimmer for adult dogs. The brand I use is Millers Forge.
When trimming nails the most important thing to remember is not to cut into the quick.
If the nail is cut to deeply it will bleed and be very painful to the dog.
It is wise to keep stypic powder or pads on hand in case of a nail bleed.
In dogs with black nails the quick will be a whitish gray.
You can make small, sliver like cuts in the nail until you hit a moist, shiny area…this is the quick.
If the nails are very long you may have to cut them in 2 or more sessions.
Newfies have front dewclaws which are normally not removed. Don’t forget to trim the nails on the dewclaws also.
If you are uncomfortable cutting your dogs nails most vets and groomers will trim them for a small fee.
EARS
EQPT YOU WILL NEED
Cotton balls
Ear cleaner or alcohol or peroxide
A Newfs ears must be kept clean. I use alcohol or peroxide on a cotton ball to clean our dogs ears. You may also buy ear cleaner such as Nolvasan Otic.
Dampen a cotton ball and wipe gently. Do this using several cotton balls until the cotton comes back clean. Then dry the ears with a dry cotton ball.
A clean ear will not have any odor.
If you find your Newf having recurrent ear infections I have found it to be quite helpful to trim all of the excess hair from under the ear surrounding the ear canal. This lets fresh air into the ear and helps prevent the dark, moist environment that allows bacteria to breed.
BATHING
EQPT YOU WILL NEED
Shampoo
Old Towels or Chamois (either "dog: chamois or "car" chamois)
Unless you show, it should only be necessary to bathe your Newf 2 or 3 times a year IF you groom and brush him regularly. Our Newfs spend a lot of time outdoors, swimming in the ponds, playing in the woods etc so they get bathed more frequently.
We bath our Newfs outside in a plastic kiddie pool.
We use a triple play shampoo, which washes, conditions and detangles.
If your dog has skin allergies, hot spots, itches a lot etc, try bathing them in an oatmeal shampoo once or twice a week.
Be sure you have the Newf on a leash, and if necessary tied to something so he cannot run away. My Newfs LOVE baths, but sometimes decide in the middle of one that they would rather run and play in the yard.
Thoroughly wet down the coat, apply the shampoo, lather and rinse completely.
Make sure that you get ALL of the soap out as it can irritate the skin if left to dry on the dog.
Some Newfs are scared of hoses, so it may be necessary to use a large plastic cup to both wet them down and rinse them
I do not dry my Newf in the Summer.
If you prefer to dry them (they will look prettier!!) use a blow dryer on LOW setting or a commercial dog grooming dryer for a long, heavy coated dog.
(Although expensive, commercial dog hair dryers make a WORLD of difference in the amount of time it takes to dry your Newfie.)
TRIMMING
EQPT YOU WILL NEED
Quality trimming scissors
Quality thinning scissors (optional)
We don’t trim our dogs, except for their feet and sometimes their tails.
We trim around the paw, so they don’t have “scraggly” feet. We also trim excess hair from their footpads.
In summer we trim their tails to keep burrs and things from getting caught in them.
If you are in a suburban area, you may not have much reason to trim the tail.
If you have a female delivering puppies you should either trim the tail hair or wrap it using a self sticking athletic bandage.
